The Department of Veterinary Services wishes to inform the general public and the farming community that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has recently recognized zone 4a as FMD free without vaccination.  Zone 4a is between Mokobaxane and Makalamabedi veterinary disease control fences in Boteti.  The recognition comes after vaccination against foot and mouth disease was stopped in 2006 and a series of FMD surveillance activities which have shown no evidence of foot and mouth disease.

The recognition of the zone as FMD free without vaccination has opened opportunities for cloven hoofed animals and their derived products originating from the zone to access international markets.

 The Department has opened negotiations with international trading partners to facilitate trade of livestock products.

 However, the current movement controls remain in place until negotiations with trading partners have been concluded.